A picnic does not need to involve hours of preparation.
With a few well-chosen ingredients, you can build a relaxed outdoor meal that is easy to carry, easy to share and far more memorable than another rushed takeaway.
The De Werf Farmstall stocks a variety of products that can help visitors prepare for a family outing, West Coast road trip, country weekend or spontaneous lunch outdoors.
Begin with fresh bread
Good bread forms the centre of an easy picnic.
Depending on the day’s availability, choose fresh bread or baked goods that can be shared without complicated preparation. Bread can be paired with deli meat, preserves or other savoury items from the farmstall.
For convenience, bring a small cutting board and picnic knife packed safely in your basket.
Add something savoury
De Werf advertises a wide selection of Deli-Co meat products as part of the farmstall range.
Choose items that are practical to transport and suited to the length of your journey. Food that needs refrigeration should be stored in a proper cooler with sufficient ice packs.
Jams and condiments can add extra flavour, but pack them upright and securely to avoid leaks.
Include seasonal produce
Fresh fruit and vegetables add colour and balance to a picnic.
Seasonal products will naturally change during the year, so allow the available selection to guide you. Fruit that can be eaten by hand is particularly useful for road trips and family outings.
Wash produce before eating and carry a small bag for peels, cores and other waste.
Do not forget the drinks
The farmstall stocks Juicebox juices among its advertised selection.
Add drinking water as well, especially on hot days or when travelling with children. A cooler helps keep drinks refreshing and protects any temperature-sensitive food.
Avoid leaving food or beverages in a hot vehicle for longer than necessary.
Finish with something sweet
Rusks, cookies, baked goods or another farmstall treat can provide an easy dessert.
Ice cream is an excellent choice when you plan to enjoy it at De Werf, but it is less practical for a long drive unless it can be stored at the correct temperature.
Four easy picnic combinations
The Classic Country Picnic
Combine fresh bread, deli meat, seasonal fruit, a condiment and juice.
The Family Road-Trip Basket
Choose sandwiches or bread, easy-to-handle fruit, juice, water, rusks and cookies. Pack individual portions for children to reduce mess in the car.
The Sweet Coffee Stop
Pair fresh baked goods, rusks or cookies with takeaway coffee from De Werf.
The Weekend-Away Starter Pack
Collect bread, deli products, jams, condiments, juices and a family-size frozen pie for later. Confirm that frozen goods can remain properly chilled until you reach your accommodation.
Pack responsibly
A useful picnic kit includes:
- A cooler and ice packs
- Reusable cups and plates
- Serviettes
- A bottle opener where required
- A rubbish bag
- Wet wipes
- A blanket
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
Leave the picnic site as you found it and dispose of waste responsibly.
Let the shelves inspire you
The best farmstall shopping is not always planned in advance.
Seasonal availability, new local products and unexpected finds may change the picnic you had in mind. Browse slowly and build the meal around what looks fresh and appealing on the day.
The De Werf Farmstall is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 at the intersection of the N7 and R304.